Book Review: Simply Pattern

A great pattern can convert any surface into something special, so it’s easy to see why designers swoon when they see unique textures. For centuries, designers used patterns to inject new energy into their work. Simply Pattern is a compilation of today’s best designers and displays outstanding work ranging from packaging, textiles, wallpaper, stationery, clothing, furniture, boutiques, and dining utensils. The wide variety of applications reveal how graphic elements can be arranged randomly or thoughtfully in order to bring a modern, classic or dynamic effect to any project. Great as eye candy or as a potent source of inspiration, we highly recommend adding this to your library.

February 16, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Repetition Elsewhere: Test Your Color Sense

We all know how fun and interactive optical illusions can be. From stark and colorless to busy and vibrant, a design well done catches your eye like a sneak attack. Recently featured in Creativity Magazine, Dentsu London’s collaboration with Professor Kitaoka, an industry great, and Wallpaper Magazine has yielded some fabulous results. Check out the project here.

February 10, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Repetition Elsewhere: Mixed Media Graffiti

As many of you know, we’re art lovers here at Pattern Pulp- from the unexpected street marking to the most extensive gallery exhibition, everything inspires us. In an ongoing effort to stay abreast of everything at once (a daunting task!) we’re continually reading, interviewing and trekking. One curated source that never fails to inspire is The Jealous Curator, who I had the pleasure of meeting this past week at the Alt Summit Conference in Salt Lake City, UT. Danielle’s eye for fresh + witty innovation is impalpable and her piece on Ludovica Gioscia is a significant part of today’s feature.

Pattern-blocked mixed media is continually being reinvented and Gioscia’s take is a storyteller’s dream. The torn shapes and unraveled wallpaper parallel wall art from the streets of Darlinghurst in New South Wales, a piece I snapped while on my travels in Australia last month. Each layout applies color, line and vibrant patterns to keep the eye bouncing round the space.

January 26, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Homegoods: Red & White

Red always packs a punch. From the infamous NARS Jungle Red lipstick to the Daily Beast’s signature hex color, FF0000, this hue is best used for urgency or as a decorative accent. In the two cases above, red is woven into each pattern, proving two specific points. For the Fragonard pillow to the left, the floral vine emulates the British flag. The Manuel Canovas advertisement on the right reveals a neutral layout with flat, textured tenacity. Both examples exhibit three things designers should always consider when creating: purpose, intent and a vivid goal.

January 17, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Repetition Elsewhere

The last time we saw handwork like this was from Arpana Rayamajhi of Nepal. This time around it’s from Stephanie Webb of England, thanks to Amy Borrell of the wildly popular blog, All the Mountains. Webb’s latest roll of wallpaper is part of Anthropologie’s Fall ’10 collection and is beautiful, busy tribute to owls.

September 7, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Follow-up: Bargain Basement Wallpaper Solutions

anthropologie2

Back in March, we fell head over heels for Anthropologie’s budget-conscious in-store kitchen display. This month’s no different as they tackle the back wall with checker-textured chalk. A brilliantly simple solution that adds umph to any wall. A can of chalkboard paint, chalk sticks and a sealant and you’re good to go- all for the cost of takeout.

By: Shayna Kulik

October 21, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik